Dispersed camping near Randolph, Utah includes several free camping areas across public lands in northern Utah and southern Wyoming. Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin, Monte Cristo, and Franklin Basin provide primitive camping options on Forest Service land, while Woodruff Narrows and areas near Fossil Butte National Monument offer BLM-managed sites. These zones typically require no reservations and accommodate tent and small RV camping, though site availability varies seasonally. Most areas permit camping for up to 14 days, consistent with standard public land regulations.
Most dispersed sites are accessible via dirt or gravel roads that range from well-maintained to rough. Franklin Basin Road is noted as 2WD-friendly for several miles, while approaches to Fossil Butte BLM land involve steep grades with loose gravel and sharp turns that demand high-clearance vehicles. Access to Woodruff Narrows requires navigating unpaved routes in fair to poor condition. Fire restrictions are common in summer months, with established fire rings available at some locations. Few sites offer amenities, with only Green Canyon Dispersed Campground providing toilets and trash collection. "The road turns to dirt in Idaho but is still 2WD safe until you get to a very clear turn around," noted one camper about Franklin Basin.
These primitive camping areas feature diverse landscapes from mountain forest settings to reservoir-adjacent sites. Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin receives excellent reviews for its quiet, scenic setting with one camper describing it as "very quiet, barely any people" with "nice view of the sunset." Monte Cristo offers elevated campsites with expansive views of aspen and fir-covered hills. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas, particularly in Franklin Basin where multiple reviews mention complete lack of signal. Camping at higher elevations like Monte Cristo can be windy and cold in shoulder seasons. Woodruff Narrows provides a spacious lakeside setting that one visitor described as "quiet and peaceful" though "no shade or amenities" are available. Wildlife sightings are common, and many areas become crowded during hunting seasons.
"Google maps took us up a dirt road, must have a high clearance vehicle way. We still arrived, but at 5-10 mph. If Google maps asks you to leave a nice gravel road on your way here, dont do it lol."
"Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw."
"A 4 mile-ish drive off the main road this site is located right next to the lake and has vault toilets. It was lovely and peaceful and we woke up to a lovely sunrise."
"Easily accessible via a good, easy gravel road. Plenty of spots to choose from. Great view of the lake and the mountains. We really enjoyed the night. We didn't have internet with T-Mobile."
"Due to drought in Wyoming (and the west, in general) many reservoirs are drying up. This makes for good dispersed camping."
"About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view. Not for large RVs."
"Two nice boondocking spots just a short drive on a tight dirt road off the highway. The campsite on the right is bigger, the one on the left is very small."
"We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent. It’s very quiet, barely any people. There’s man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here. It’s chilly and very pretty around."
"About 15 mins outside of Logan up a beautiful canyon. Headed up around 4pm on a Saturday during Memorial Day weekend so didn’t have high hopes but found a spot with a fire ring almost immediately!"
"Easy to find by putting the coordinates provided in Google Maps. Came in after dark and easily found a site about 1/4 mile or so up the road. Road is a bit bumpy but nothing major."
"While there are a lot of disbursed sites along the corridor, they were all completely filled due to a bike race happening at nearby Beaver Mountain."
"Easily accessible spot off FR 006. Found shady, mostly level spot to park van right off the road. Peaceful location. Fire pit in the camp area. No amenities."
"The coordinates on the map are not exactly right for this campsite, at least in early may."
"Beautiful and remote area 10 miles up the road from the Visitor’s Center. Paved road that turns to dirt- both in great condition. High clearance vehicle needed, especially on the BLM land."
"Travel through Fossil Butte, and up the hill, then drive a while and cross into BLM, then drive through some dirt roads, and up a hill and there you are… all alone."
"Very easy access off 89. Very large sites with fire rings start about 1/4 off the main road. Only one other site being used that I saw. Pit toilet available at the large parking area."
"Pull in off thr highway you will see a large gravel loop to your left. With bathrooms. This is the big rig area. There are also a few dispersed spots down in this lower area."
TravelerGoogle maps took us up a dirt road, must have a high clearance vehicle way. We still arrived, but at 5-10 mph. If Google maps asks you to leave a nice gravel road on your way here, dont do it lol. Campground very nice with newer pit toliets (bring your own TP). View is amazing of the reservoir and surrounding mountains.
GuideThis had amazing views, including a cool cave. However, the road is very bumpy and the spots are smaller. It would not be good for a larger RV. The spots fill up very quickly.
TravelerIt had rained so it was a little slick but not bad, we could not find any designated camp sites so we just found a level place. It was very quiet, we only seen one ORV the whole time we were there. Awesome views.
RangerVery easy access off 89. Very large sites with fire rings start about 1/4 off the main road. Only one other site being used that I saw. Pit toilet available at the large parking area. Clean and well kept. No cell service. Free range cows.
RangerTravel through Fossil Butte, and up the hill, then drive a while and cross into BLM, then drive through some dirt roads, and up a hill and there you are… all alone. I love it. 8000 feet and 360 views. No amenities.
ScoutWhile there are a lot of disbursed sites along the corridor, they were all completely filled due to a bike race happening at nearby Beaver Mountain. We continued up and finally found a nice camp site just on the south side of Utah border but it turned out to be on private property. There’s a small stretch of a private property near the state line marked by a sign posted cattle grate. The property owner stopped by, he was super polite, but explained the boundaries and asked us to move along.
In many spots on the road on the way up there were wide open areas where a single camper had claimed a large area, even sites that could comfortably accommodate several rigs, so just a few things to watch out for.
TravelerEasily accessible spot off FR 006. Found shady, mostly level spot to park van right off the road. Peaceful location. Fire pit in the camp area. No amenities.
GuideGood views, little to no mosquitoes, privacy, a great road, what more can you ask for! We stayed at the first spot past the gate (on the first road to the left at the first split in the road at the top) We saw several people going to the right, looks like there’s probably plenty of spots back there as well. Highly recommend!
TravelerSo much space but about 20 mins from I-80. Peaceful right by the water
Dispersed camping near Randolph, Utah offers primitive sites across multiple national forest and BLM areas with elevations ranging from 6,500 to 8,200 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts, with summer daytime highs in the 80s dropping to the 40s at night. Most sites lack amenities but provide access to wildlife viewing, fishing streams, and extensive trail networks throughout the Cache National Forest and surrounding public lands.
Fishing opportunities: Several camping locations offer direct access to fishing waters. At Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping, sites are positioned near the Logan River. One visitor noted, "There is a creek that flows back and forth around the area, we had that for our soundtrack as we slept."
Hiking access: Rustic camping areas near Randolph connect to hiking trails through mountain terrain. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground features "a well-loved trail starts a short distance up the road" according to one camper who visited in winter. Another mentioned, "Local residents love this Trail for trail runs, or mountain biking."
Wildlife viewing: Many primitive camping sites offer chances to observe local wildlife. At Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area, campers report seeing diverse bird species. One visitor described seeing "lots of birds and ducks to watch" and even "a moose way off in the distance."
Solitude and quiet: Remote camping near Randolph appeals to those seeking peace away from crowds. At Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin, a camper described the experience as "very quiet, barely any people. There's man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here."
Scenic vistas: The mountain terrain provides elevated viewpoints. One camper at Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo shared: "We could not have asked for a more perfect spot. The views were immaculate, the sites were very spread out, it was the end of September and all the leaves were changing."
Stargazing conditions: The remote nature of these rustic camping sites creates excellent dark sky viewing. A visitor to Fossil Butte National Monument BLM land emphasized the "dark dark sky and unbelievably quiet" conditions that make it ideal for night sky observation.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some sites requires appropriate vehicles. At Fossil Butte National Monument BLM, visitors warn of "a 17% grade loose gravel narrow road with two hairpins" and note "high clearance vehicle needed, especially on the BLM land."
Seasonal timing matters: Weather conditions affect campsite availability and comfort. One Monte Cristo camper mentioned, "if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick."
Bug pressure: Some areas experience significant insect activity. At Woodruff Narrows Bear Riverside, a camper warned of "insanely buggy this time of year. Couldn't open my vehicle doors for a second or they flooded in."
Wind exposure: Open sites can experience significant wind. A visitor to Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area cited "the wind and the OHVs" as their "only complaints" about an otherwise favorite dispersed camping spot.
Space considerations: Some sites accommodate larger groups better than others. A Franklin Basin Road visitor noted, "This is the big rig area. There are also a few dispersed spots down in this lower area... This area is just a basic parking lot with a bathroom."
Timing for site selection: Arrive early to secure appropriate sites, especially for family groups. Franklin Basin campers advised, "Tons of spaces here. Big pull-in spots for camper rigs. And some small side pull outs for sedans who don't mind walk-in tent spots."
Activity options: When camping with children, look for sites with natural features. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground offers "tons of little spots along a gravel road" with "tons of trails and mountain bikers" as well as "cool rock visuals above a majority of the sites."
Parking limitations: Many dispersed sites have size restrictions. One Smithfield Dispersed Campsite visitor warned there was "no warning that the road narrows with no turn around about a mile into the campground, or the trees are overgrown which scratched up my sides."
RV-friendly sites: Some areas accommodate larger vehicles better than others. A Woodruff Narrows camper shared: "Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw. The road is okay if you go slowly; we came in with our 31' class A pulling a 12' box trailer."
Turning space: Watch for adequate room to maneuver larger vehicles. A Monte Cristo visitor noted their spot was "not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Randolph, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Randolph, UT is Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Randolph, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Randolph, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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